plays hardball
Takes no prisoners
Plays hardball means competing aggressively, using tough or ruthless tactics to win.
The metaphor comes from baseball (played with a hard ball) as opposed to softball.
Someone who plays hardball isn't interested in compromise or gentleness: When negotiations stalled, the union started playing hardball.
Often appears as an adjective: hardball tactics, hardball politics.
- intimidationDeliberate fear-inducing pressure
- bare knucklesHands without boxing gloves
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
assertiveness · brinkmanship · authority · determination · coercion · strong-arm · takes no prisoners · power struggle · influence · tenacity · cutthroat · manipulation · compromise · no-holds-barred · persuasion · grit · boldness · bargaining
plays hardballcompromises
Settlements through mutual concession
plays nice · bends over backwards · capitulates · plays ball · accommodates
plays hardballhandles with kid gloves
Treats very gently
coddles · treads lightly · pampers · lets slide · looks the other way
play, plays, played, playing, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness